Each of us is responsible for our own joy.

“Nobody can give you the meaning of your life. It is your life, the meaning has also to be yours. It is your life and it is only accessible to you. Only in living will the mystery be revealed to you.”
~Osho~

Life happens. It ebbs and flows around us – highs and lows, stillness and chaos. How we choose to interpret the events of our lives determines the amount of grace we allow into our experience. Resistance, complaining and judgment are the ego’s way of deflecting personal responsibility.

In order to step into empowerment, we must first observe any reactivity that arises. Our awareness creates the possibility of a break in the habitual patterns and ideas that no longer serve our growth. “That’s the way I’ve always been” is no longer a viable prison that dictates how we respond to life; instead, consciousness expands through purposeful and honest self-reflection.

Your pain is caused by limited perception. When you change your thoughts, the interpretation, response and outcome will change as well. You hold the keys to freedom in your hand. Observe how life responds to you when you experience it with love, compassion and acceptance.

We are all in the process of awakening from illusion.

“…when you let go of your expectations, when you accept life as it is, you’re free.To hold on is to be serious and uptight. To let go is to lighten up.”
~Richard Carlson~

The most beautiful aspect of spiritual awakening is the realization that life supports us throughout that process. We are spiritual beings having a human experience and whether or not someone is consciously devoting their time and attention to spiritual matters during this lifetime is actually immaterial. Evolution eventually occurs in the perfect way at the perfect time.

Even in the midst of confusion, the soul is still receiving information, lessons and the opportunity to observe new energy in motion. We never know what will spark awareness; therefore, it’s important to do your best with what you have from where you are. Enlightenment typically comes through observation – as we begin to recognize habitual patterns and beliefs, we can then learn to see through them to a deeper truth.

You will certainly experience moments of clarity and awareness. There will be situations that allow you to shine with unlimited potential and others when fear seems to hold you in its grip. Every circumstance contains an opportunity to awaken.

Be a willing participant in the dance of awakening.

“Every great movement forward in your life begins with a leap of faith, a step into the unknown.”
~Brian Tracy~

You are a radiant being of light and in this moment, your purpose is to allow love to express itself through you. It’s important to create a foundation of peace that will support your journey as you walk through a turbulent world. The virtues of kindness and compassion are always worthy of your consideration and exploration.

Life is designed to awaken your inner wisdom. Consider what you have asked for on your spiritual journey and then view the circumstances of your experiences thus far. Have you not had ample opportunity to develop the qualities for which you have searched? Allow this inner knowledge to ignite the flames of courage and feel passion awakening within you as you courageously walk forward in the direction of your dreams.

Be ready for the spark of awareness to transform your perception. As we change, the world around us is transformed.

You bring something unique and beautiful to the world.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
~Carl Rogers~

The best way to discover who you truly are and whether you’re fulfilling your life’s purpose is not by comparing yourself to others, but by observing the amount of joy you have in your life.

The ego loves to compare and contrast and self-judgment can sometimes be a hard habit to break; however, it is only a distraction. The transient nature of life is meant to be ever changing – that’s why it’s so important to embrace the present moment, share all that you have to offer and celebrate the unique experiences and perceptions that only you can bring to the world.

On the path of transformation, self-acceptance allows us to walk courageously, no longer hiding from ourselves or others. Then, true healing is possible. Consider using non-reaction as a tool for growth. If someone offends, responds in anger, projects frustration or becomes defensive, move into acceptance, quiet any ego-generated thoughts that may arise and teach by example.

Some will feel uplifted and peaceful in your presence, others annoyed – but it means little… In this moment you can choose to be at peace.

Each time we have a shift in consciousness, our experience of the world changes. Relationships take on new meaning, we open to messages from the Divine and begin to learn to trust our own inner guidance.

The Universe responds well to this state of willingness and you may begin to recognize the synchronized and coincidental events which unfold around you. Allow yourself to be open to adventure. Take a risk and see what happens – step out of your comfort zone. This can be as simple as offering assistance to someone in need, following your first instinct instead of doing what you’ve always done, or as potentially life changing as facing a fear and trusting that your angels and spirit guides will lead you through it.

When we approach life with a sense of trust, innocence and adventure, we create a space in which anything can happen. As children, we had this expansive approach, but typically our parents, society and life experiences taught an attitude of mistrust, defense, that the world is a dangerous place or life is a struggle.

The innocence of the spiritual seeker is childlike, but not childish. The wisdom you’ve attained on your journey will transform into acceptance of a world that is filled with the wonder of life.

Everyone and everything shares the Divine breath of life.

“Consider your own place in the universal oneness of which we are all a part, from which we all arise, and to which we all return.”
~David Fontana~

If you could see the impact that your energy has on everything around you, it is quite likely that you would approach life in a different manner. Everything is deeply connected to everything else. Harboring thoughts of anger or hatred for a perceived “other” not only harms your own well-being, but it adds to the illusion of separateness that perpetuates even more layers of unconsciousness.

Conversely, as our perception expands, our role in the unfolding story of the human experience is transformed. We begin to lift one another up, to demonstrate a different way of being, patiently remind others of how much they are loved and strive to be a consistent reflection of the the Universal Oneness that connects us.

This movement of love and acceptance calls upon us to be balanced even when faced with opposition and unconsciousness. Peace is always found within the eye of the storm. You must discover your own still-point and purposely choose to remain centered within it.

This moment is filled with infinite potential.

Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.
~Samuel Ullman~

Our purpose is to awaken; therefore, we will often walk right into the perfect situation that will facilitate the next phase of our spiritual growth. Karmic agreements, family ties, societal upheaval and self-exploration all play a role in our expanding awareness. Your higher Self will lead you directly into circumstances that ultimately create the movement or insight that is needed in your experience.

When faced with a challenge, begin with gratitude. Your willingness to approach any difficulties that arise with conscious intention ensures a possibility of greater objectivity throughout the process. Rather than becoming mired in the role of victim consciousness, we learn to walk through life as empowered participants.

There are no mistakes, only opportunities to expand and everything in your experience has served you in some way. Accept yourself as you are – a master in the process of awakening. Trust your perceptions while seeking to bring a higher consciousness into every aspect of your journey.